Payroll Operations Lead

Amalgamated Sugar Company•Boise, ID

About The Position

Amalgamated Sugar Company is seeking a Payroll Operations Lead to oversee end-to-end payroll operations in a complex, multi-state, unionized environment. This hands-on leadership role ensures payroll accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement while supervising payroll staff and partnering closely with HR, Operations, Finance, and external vendors. The position reports to the Corporate Payroll Manager and plays a critical role in supporting the company’s workforce and operational excellence.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll processing and wage and hour compliance
Experience interpreting and administering union contracts and collective bargaining agreements
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop payroll staff
Proficiency with payroll systems and third-party payroll vendors
Solid understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills
Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent experience
3–5 years of experience in a multi-state payroll environment
Prior lead or supervisory experience in payroll operations

Nice To Haves

Experience working with UKG payroll and timekeeping systems
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification
Experience supporting payroll audits and system implementations
Process improvement or automation experience within payroll operations

Responsibilities

Lead daily payroll operations, including supervising, coaching, and developing payroll staff
Process bi-weekly, multi-state payrolls including regular, off-cycle, retroactive, and adjustment payrolls
Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, wage and hour laws, and payroll policies
Oversee time and attendance processing, exception management, and payroll input validation
Partner with HR, Operations, and HRIS to improve timecard accuracy, workflows, and self-service adoption
Coordinate with third-party payroll vendors to administer payroll taxes, garnishments, and deductions
Review payroll tax filings, deposits, quarterly reports, year-end processing, and W-2 production
Maintain payroll documentation, internal controls, reconciliations, and audit-ready processes
Reconcile payroll sub-ledger accounts to the general ledger and provide payroll reporting and metrics
Drive continuous improvement through process optimization, automation, and system enhancements